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Council accepts updated traffic surveys and introduces ordinance lowering posted speeds on nine segments

Martinez City Council · April 15, 2026

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Summary

After a citywide re-survey of posted speeds, council accepted staff's recommendation to lower posted speeds on nine road segments (examples: Alhambra Ave south of Hwy 4 from 45 to 40 mph; Muir Road sections from 40 to 35 mph) and introduced an ordinance to amend municipal code to reflect the changes; staff will replace signage and coordinate enforcement messaging.

The City Council on April 15 accepted an updated engineering and traffic survey and introduced an ordinance to amend Martinez Municipal Code special speed limits following a citywide re-survey.

Reed (S16), who led the engineering work with the city's traffic vendor, explained the re-survey redressed anomalous results collected during the COVID period and returned updated 85th-percentile speeds and context-based recommendations. Staff recommended reducing speeds on nine segments where roadway configuration, added bike lanes, proximity to schools or the hospital, and accident history justified lower posted limits.

Examples include Alhambra Avenue (south of Highway 4) reduced from 45 to 40 mph, Pacheco Boulevard from 40 to 35 mph in areas transitioning to residential, and several sections of Muir Road reduced from 40 to 35 mph where buffered bike lanes and pedestrian activity are present. Reed said the work was completed at a fraction of normal cost by reusing the existing contractor and focusing the effort.

Council member S5 moved to accept the updated survey and introduce an ordinance amending special speed limits; S3 seconded and the measure passed unanimously. Staff said they will replace signage, run public messaging through the city manager's office and monitor enforcement results with the police department.

Mayor Zorn asked staff to follow up with enforcement data after the change; staff agreed to provide public messaging and enforcement coordination prior to implementation.